LA Galaxy Come Get Me!

LA Galaxy announced on Thursday they are holding open trials in London and Manchester, with pro contracts on offer. Sports Gazette takes a look at the five best non-league players potentially on the Galaxy radar.

Galaxy Head Coach Mike Munoz considers the project a chance to unearth hidden gems or those not given a fair chance in the past.

The trials will take place at The Hive in London on 31 May and 1 June, and in Manchester on 3 and 4 June.

Players must be 16-25 years old and will have to pay a fee of £149 to take part, successful trialists progress to in depth analysis in Los Angeles where they could secure a contract.

Brad Hickey

Club: Barwell

Position: Central midfield

Age: 19

@brady9hickey

Hickey had trials in the summer with Premier League champions Leicester City, but he remains at Kirkby Road for the time being and his boss couldn’t be happier.

Manager Jimmy Ginnelly said: “Brady can only get better. He’s a young kid, he’s enjoying his football and loving playing for the club.

“He could have moved up a level or two but he decided to stay with us and we’re delighted with that – he’s the top scorer at the club this season.

“That’s what Brady’s good at – he’s the third man running into the box and he scores goals at important times.”

Luke Wanadio

Club: Welling United

Position: Winger

Age: 23

@LukeWanads

An elusive pacey winger who gets as many goals as he does assists.

He said: “I was at Fulham as a youngster and nothing really kicked off. There’s always been interest and I did go to Chesterfield briefly last year but I’m one of those players who doesn’t really like trialling and unsettling myself.

“I work with my dad in a warehouse on the side, delivering things like trainers.

“I’ve got a few mates like Frazer Shaw and Paul McCallum who play for Orient so it will be a good day out against a team in the league.”

Daniel Nti

Club: York City

Position: Winger

Age: 23

@danieljnti

Nti began his career as a striker in the mould of Jermain Defoe but now plies his trade on the right wing.

He said: “I feel it’s only a matter of time now before I’m in the league.

“I used to work at Dolce and Gabbana but now I work in finance as a credit controller alongside football.

“You look at the likes of Jamie Vardy and Andre Gray — they worked hard and showed it’s achievable.

“People used to make comparisons to Ian Wright back in the day but now there are loads of people making it in non-league.”

Sam Corne

Club: Braintree Town

Position: Defensive midfielder

Age: 20

A midfield destroyer who loves to break up play but wants to add more goals to his game.

He said: “I’ve had people watch me. I’ve always played football but I’ve never had a scholarship so I played in a community scheme at sixth form.

“I’ve ambitions of getting into the Football League but it’s just waiting for your chance and when you get there you need to prove yourself.”

Xavier Vidal

Club: Merstham FC

Position: Central midfield

Age: 22

A versatile number 10 or support striker who thrives on creating chances for others.

He said: “I’ve had a few trials at Birmingham, Oxford and Huddersfield. I don’t think anyone has been willing to take the chance because I play in non-league.

“People like Jamie Vardy show you it’s never too late. There’s always a chance and if you’re playing well there could always be someone watching.”